Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end using the photo below copyright Claire Fuller, as a prompt.

Check out some of the other cool stories at Friday Fictioneers. Now here’s mine: 100 words.

The Library

Grandpa loved his books. Grandma said he only married her because she owned a set of World Book Encyclopedias. When I was five he built a book ladder just for me. I was his personal librarian. After dinner he’d say pick us out a good book. I’d find one on the tippy-top shelf then sit cross-legged on the ladder reading to him while he enjoyed a cigar. It was our special time.

Grandpa loves his books. He picks out one for me to read to him when I visit. He knows I know but he’s not ashamed anymore.

I’ve often thought about the difficulties of being functional illiterate and I can’t imagine how difficult it must be. I’ve read about how people cope and I also think about all the joy they miss from not being able to read. That’s why at some point in my life, I’d really like to tutor people who need help with reading. This was a unique and touching take.

You are so good with these flash fiction stories, Pam! I’m happy you’re participating. Did you have World Book Encyclopedias at the ready when you were young? We used to read them like story books. The were wonderfully politically incorrect thirty years ago and just told about everyone and everything in the most wonderful way.